Jesus and the Uncertainty of Obedience Matthew 26:36-46

CH1APTER

The Desperate Father and the Uncertainty of Faith Mark 9:14-29

INTRODUCTION

Uncertainty is a part of life. We learn fairly quickly that we are not in control of everything, and often our attempts to close the gap between certainty and mystery fall short. This is sometimes even true in the Christian faith. The man’s admission and plea to Jesus, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” is an honest assessment of our human condition. We trust and we are skeptical; we have confidence and we hesitate. Is it wrong to doubt? What is the relationship between faith and doubt?

GATHERING (5 Minutes)

As a class, recite together the words of the hymn “When Our Confidence is Shaken” by Fred Pratt Green, which is also found in the hymnal on page 505:

When our confidence is shaken in beliefs we thought secure, when the spirit in its sickness seeks but cannot find a cure, God is active in the tensions of a faith not yet mature.

Have members of the class share aloud what they hope to gain from this Lenten series. What are you longing for and searching for this Lent?

VIDEO SEGMENT (5 Minutes)

Video segment by the Rev. Magrey deVega

VIDEO DISCUSSION QUESTION (5 Minutes)

As a group, discuss the following question in response to the video: “When has there been a time in your life when your confidence was shaken, or you had a belief that turned out to be less secure than you first thought?”

REFLECTIONS ON THE READING (25 Minutes)

Have someone in the class read aloud the passage from Mark 9:14-29. As a class, discuss the following questions located at the end of the chapter:

1) Have you or a loved one ever experienced something akin to the dark emotional or mental state of this young boy? What kind of support and resources are helpful amid such a crisis?

2) When has doubt or suffering ever challenged your beliefs and assumptions about the Christian faith? How did those doubts feel contradictory to your beliefs? In what ways might they even have eventually strengthened your convictions?

3) Read Thomas Merton’s prayer again. What parts do you resonate with? What parts are helpful to you? How does the knowledge that even a formidable writer and teacher like Merton bring comfort to you?

OPTION 1: EMBRACING THE UNCERTAIN (10 Minutes)

Invite the class to spend individual time writing a version of Merton’s prayer in their own words. They might even journal the specific nature of your doubts, that in some way connect to the concerns of this father for his son. Have them write out all the ways that you are saying, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” Have them share their version with another person in the class.

OPTION 2: DISCUSSION OF DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS (10 Minutes)

If members of the class are also reading the corresponding daily devotional material, spend some time as a class discussing any key learnings or insights they gained from the readings.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD (5 Minutes)

Invite the class to break up into groups of two or three, and share in that group one key learning they have received from today’s session, and one practical application they will incorporate into their life during the upcoming week.

PRAYER (5 Minutes)

Have the class share joys and prayer concerns, and invite them to be in prayer for each other over the upcoming week. Invite someone to close in praying the following prayer, or have the class share it in unison:

God, thank you for grounding me with confidence and guiding me through doubt. I offer you my very best intentions to follow you, grateful for your grace and forgiveness when I falter and fall short. I believe; help my unbelief. Amen.

CH2APTER

Peter and the Uncertainty of Forgiveness Matthew 18:21-22

INTRODUCTION

It should be no surprise to us that we have broken relationships. No human is perfect, and therefore no relationship is immune to misunderstanding, conflict, and even harm. The Bible is filled with plenty of examples of relationships that have gone sour, and the whole story of salvation is one big story of a broken relationship between God and humanity. Fortunately, brokenness is not the last word, in God’s eyes. Forgiveness is God’s gift to us in Christ, that enables us to get right with God, and right with each other.

GATHERING (5 Minutes)

Have the class recite together the words of the hymn “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive” by Rosamond Herkiots, which is also found in the hymnal on page 390:

'Forgive our sins as we forgive,' you taught us, Lord, to pray, but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say. How can your pardon reach and bless the unforgiving heart, that broods on wrongs and will not let old bitterness depart?

Have members of the class share aloud what words or phrases from that hymn resonate with them, and why.

VIDEO SEGMENT (5 Minutes)

Video segment by the Rev. Magrey deVega

VIDEO DISCUSSION QUESTION (5 Minutes)

As a group, discuss the following question in response to the video: “When has there been a time in your life when it has been difficult for you to forgive someone for something they have done to you? Or, when has there been a time when you have had a hard time forgiving yourself?”

REFLECTIONS ON THE READING (25 Minutes)

Have someone in the class read aloud the passage from Matthew 18:21-22.

As a class, discuss the following questions located at the end of the chapter:

1) What difference does it make for you to see the act of forgiveness and not just a private act between two people, but a participation in God’s grand act of restoring all of broken creation?

2) Think about times in your life when it was difficult to forgive a wrong that has been done to you. What made forgiveness hard? In what ways was it difficult to forgive, not just because of what someone else was doing to you, but because of your own reluctance, inability, or misunderstanding?

3) Now think about the times when you have caused harm to someone else. Have you fully sought forgiveness for what you did? What would help in repairing that relationship with that person?

4) Finally, think about how you need to forgive yourself. What is required for you to experience the grace and mercy of God, to help you move past your guilt and shame, and claim the life of peace that God wants for you?

OPTION 1: EMBRACING THE UNCERTAIN (10 Minutes)

As a class, share a list of any local or global stories, either present or in the past, that describe the power of forgiveness. Next, spend a few minutes in silent prayer, inviting each person to make a list of all the ways they have experienced God’s forgiveness in their lives. Then, think about the steps they need to take today, and over upcoming days, to forgive and be forgiven by someone else.

OPTION 2: DISCUSSION OF DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS (10 Minutes)

If members of the class are also reading the corresponding daily devotional material, spend some time as a class discussing any key learnings or insights they gained from the readings.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD (5 Minutes)

PRAYER (5 Minutes)

Gracious God, thank you for forgiving me of my sins. Empower me to follow the example you set for us in Jesus, that I might both forgive others and seek forgiveness. Help me to participate in your work to reconcile the world. Amen. CH3APTER

The Crowd and the Uncertainty of Worry Luke 12:1-34

INTRODUCTION

Worry is not an intrinsically bad thing. We are born with an innate instinct to perceive threats, respond accordingly, and do what is necessary to survive. But it is very easy for worry to become debilitating, and become a central feature to our daily life. This kind of life is antithetical to the free, joyous, and loving existence that God intends. And today’s scripture reading is very clear: God’s presence and provision in our lives mitigates the need for severe worry.

GATHERING (5 Minutes)

Have the class recite together the words of the song “His Eye is on the Sparrow” by Civilla D. Martin:

Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home, when Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is he: his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me; his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me. I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, for his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.

Have members of the class share aloud what words or phrases from that hymn resonate with them, as well as any memories or personal significance they associate with the song.

VIDEO SEGMENT (5 Minutes)

Video segment by the Rev. Magrey deVega

VIDEO DISCUSSION QUESTION (5 Minutes)

As a group, discuss the following question in response to the video: “Is there a difference between worrying for a good, rational reason, and worrying for a debilitating, irrational reason? When have there been times when you have demonstrated either of these kinds of worries?”

REFLECTIONS ON THE READING (25 Minutes)

Have someone in the class read aloud the passage from Luke 12:1-34.

As a class, discuss the following questions located at the end of the chapter:

1) What are the ways that you are beset with worry right now? Of those things that you are worried about, how many are things you can actually do something to change?

2) Has there ever been a time when you worried about something a great deal, only to have it work out to be a letter better than you feared? What contributed to bringing about a better resolution than you thought?

3) Consider the words of the famous “Serenity Prayer”: “Lord, grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” How does that prayer connect to Jesus’ command in this scripture passage to not worry?

OPTION 1: EMBRACING THE UNCERTAIN (10 Minutes)

Have the class break into pairs to make a list of all the ways that God has provided for throughout their lives, without seeing or acknowledging it at the time. Be thorough; think about even the tiniest blessings that you know you could not have achieved on your own, or merited by your own achievement. Consider this list to be your “Lilly and Sparrow” list, which you can refer back to (and add to) as you go through episodes of worry.

OPTION 2: DISCUSSION OF DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS (10 Minutes)

If members of the class are also reading the corresponding daily devotional material, spend some time as a class discussing any key learnings or insights they gained from the readings.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD (5 Minutes)

PRAYER (5 Minutes)

God, I thank you that just as your eye is on the sparrow, your watchful, caring gaze is always upon me. Grant to me the ability to see in the middle of my difficulties, that I might not be so fixated on my troubles, but observant of your unfailing grace and love. Amen.

CH4APTER

Lazarus and the Uncertainty of Mortality John 11:1-44

INTRODUCTION

“Nothing can be said to be certain,” said Benjamin Franklin, “except death and taxes.” Indeed, few things are more taxing on our conscience than the inevitability of our own death. But while it is true that death is a fate we all have in common, there are many different ways people can live into that inevitability. We can either be gripped by fear, or we can be governed by faith, hope, and trust. We can live in anger, or we can be anchored in the conviction that Paul reminds the Corinthians: nothing can separate us from God’s love. Not even death.

GATHERING (5 Minutes)

Have the class recite together the words of the song “Hymn of Promise” by Natalie Sleeth, found in our hymnal on page 707:

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity, In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

Have members of the class share aloud what words or phrases from that hymn resonate with them, as well as any memories or personal significance they associate with the song.

VIDEO SEGMENT (5 Minutes)

Video segment by the Rev. Magrey deVega

VIDEO DISCUSSION QUESTION (5 Minutes)

As a group, discuss the following question in response to the video: “When was there a time when you struggled to believe that God was with you, or that God was watching over you?”

REFLECTIONS ON THE READING (25 Minutes)

Have someone in the class read aloud the passage from John 11:1-44.

As a class, discuss the following questions located at the end of the chapter:

1) In what ways can you identify with Mary and Martha in the story? What profound and difficult questions have you ever asked of God in the wake of a loved one’s death?

2) Have you ever experienced deep wrestling over your own mortality? What was the situation in which you were doing that wrestling? What gave you strength to wrestle through them, and what conclusions have you come to?

3) Think about the way you want to be remembered. Who do you know that might say that because they knew you, they were a better person?

4) Think about Paul’s use of the seed and the plant as a metaphor for our resurrected bodies. What is helpful to you about that image? What questions do you still have?

OPTION 1: EMBRACING THE UNCERTAIN (10 Minutes)

Have each person turn to someone next to them to describe what might be in their “I Believe” box and their “I Don’t Know” box. What are the things that we can believe, even though we don’t fully understand them? Have people, over the next several days, pray over both lists, giving thanks to God for both the things that they are able to believe by faith, and for the gift of mystery which reminds us that God is greater than our comprehension. Keep referring to that list so that over time, you might see how the Holy Spirit is guiding you to embrace the uncertain.

OPTION 2: DISCUSSION OF DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS (10 Minutes)

If members of the class are also reading the corresponding daily devotional material, spend some time as a class discussing any key learnings or insights they gained from the readings.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD (5 Minutes)

PRAYER (5 Minutes)

God, thank you for sending Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life. Teach me to trust in you, even when I am grieving and troubled. And grant me the secure knowledge of eternity with you, even with all of my questions. Amen. CH5APTER

Zacchaeus and the Uncertainty of Surrender Luke 19:1-10

INTRODUCTION

We are intrinsically reluctant to surrender. We don’t like yielding control, giving up, or admitting we have lost. Sometimes it is our drive to achieve, or feel in control, or simply survive – we don’t like to wave the white flag. There may be a lot about Zacchaeus that resonates with us than we care to admit. Never mind the fact that he was short: he was a climber. He ascended the ladder of success, wealth, and influence, even at the expense of others. But Lent is about hearing the exact words from Jesus that Zacchaeus heard: “Come down from there. Let’s have a chat.”

GATHERING (5 Minutes)

Have the class recite together the words of the song “I Surrender All” by J.W. Van Deventer, found in our hymnal on page 354:

All to Jesus I surrender Humbly at His feet I bow Worldly pleasures all forsaken Take me, Jesus, take me now, I surrender all, I surrender all All to Thee my blessed Savior I surrender all

Have members of the class share aloud what words or phrases from that hymn resonate with them, as well as any memories or personal significance they associate with the song.

VIDEO SEGMENT (5 Minutes)

Video segment by the Rev. Magrey deVega

VIDEO DISCUSSION QUESTION (5 Minutes)

As a group, discuss the following question in response to the video: “When was there a time when you struggled to surrender something over to God?”

REFLECTIONS ON THE READING (25 Minutes)

Have someone in the class read aloud the passage from Luke 19:1-10.

As a class, discuss the following questions located at the end of the chapter:

1. When was there are a time in your life when you were seeking after God, to get some fuller understanding of who God is to you? Similarly, when was there a time in your life when you realized that God has been working in you without your acknowledging it?

2. If Jesus were to call you down from a tree and invite himself over for a meal with you, what kinds of conversation topics would you want to cover? What changes in your life do you think Jesus would ask of you?

3. Consider Paul’s desire to want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. In what ways are you longing to experience the resurrection today? How might you pray that God might reveal that power to you? What are you willing to give up so that you can experience that power?

OPTION 1: EMBRACING THE UNCERTAIN

As a class, spend about five minutes practicing centering prayer. Invite each person to find a centering word or phrase that they can use to refocus their silence whenever their minds start to drift. A person might choose a word or phrase from this story of Zacchaeus, or the words of Paul, such as “I want to see Jesus,” or “I want to know Christ,” or “I want to welcome Jesus.” After those periods of silence, break up into pairs to share with that person what insights they gained from that silence.

OPTION 2: THE JOURNEY AHEAD (5 Minutes)

PRAYER (5 Minutes)

God, thank you for seeking me out, even as I have longed to see you. Call me into a deeper experience of the death and resurrection of Jesus, that I might know your power, and live the life you are calling me to live. Amen.

CH6APTER

Jesus and the Uncertainty of Obedience Matthew 26:36-46

INTRODUCTION

It is most likely that as you go through this final session of the study, it is now Holy Week, in which we track the events of Jesus’ last week before his death, burial, and resurrection. It begins with the pomp and pageantry of Palm Sunday and moves into the drama of Good Friday. But in between is one of the most poignant and painful moments in all of Jesus’ life and ministry. It is in the Garden of Gethsemane, the night of his arrest, that we are given an inside look into the mind and heart of our Savior. There we discover something that deep down inside we know all to well: fear, uncertainty, and a reluctance to fully follow God. But in Jesus we have also been given an example to follow, one that will comfort and encourage us to take up our cross, and ultimately find new life in Christ.

GATHERING (5 Minutes)

Have the class recite together the words of the song “Are Ye Able” by Earl Marlatt, found in our hymnal on page 530:

"Are ye able," said the Master, "To be crucified with me?" "Yea," the sturdy dreamers answered, "To the death we follow Thee." Lord, we are able. Our spirits are Thine. Remold them, make us, like Thee, divine. Thy guiding radiance above us shall be a beacon to God, to love, and loyalty.

Have members of the class share aloud what words or phrases from that hymn resonate with them, as well as any memories or personal significance they associate with the song.

VIDEO SEGMENT (5 Minutes)

Video segment by the Rev. Magrey deVega

VIDEO DISCUSSION QUESTION (5 Minutes)

As a group, discuss the following question in response to the video: “What does Holy Week mean to you?”

REFLECTIONS ON THE READING (25 Minutes)

Have someone in the class read aloud the passage from Matthew 26:36-46.

As a class, discuss the following questions located at the end of the chapter:

1. When has there been a time in your life when uncertainty has caused your faith to stretch and mature?

2. When have you ever longed to hear God’s voice?

3. Consider again the connection between Holy Week and Annunciation Day. Who are the people who have influenced during formative times of your life, and whose impact continues to shape the choices that you make today? How might you acknowledge them, even thank them personally, or at least give thanks to God for them?

OPTION 1: EMBRACING THE UNCERTAIN (10 Minutes)

The chapter in the study describes a few options for applying this story to our lives this week: 1) Participate in both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, 2) Spending time in quiet prayer on Holy Saturday, 3) Praying for family, friends, and acquaintances. As a class, discuss which options resonate with people, and perhaps make a decision as a class to attend those special worship services together.

OPTION 2: DISCUSSION OF DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS (10 Minutes)

If members of the class are also reading the corresponding daily devotional material, spend some time as a class discussing any key learnings or insights they gained from the readings.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD (5 Minutes)

PRAYER (5 Minutes)

God, thank you for calling me to obedience. Forgive me for not always hearing your voice. Accept my desire to hear you as itself an offering of obedience. Lead me to a place of surrender, that I might experience the joy of the resurrection in Jesus. Amen.

CH APTER (INDEPENDENT STUDY OPTION) 6

Note: This option is for those small groups whose wish to attend a Holy Week service as a group in lieu of meeting together to cover the material.

Holy Week is an important time of reflection in the Christian year. Here at Hyde Park, we make intentional time for reflection through two holy week services: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. We encourage you to attend one or both of these services with your small group or class this week. Below you will find an independent study guide that will allow you to reflect on this week’s chapter and be ready to rejoin your group for the 7th and final lesson next week. Have a journal ready to write down your own reflections to the questions posed below.

Jesus and the Uncertainty of Obedience Matthew 26:36-46

INTRODUCTION

It is now Holy Week, in which we track the events of Jesus’ last week before his death, burial, and resurrection. It begins with the pomp and pageantry of Palm Sunday and moves into the drama of Good Friday. But in between is one of the most poignant and painful moments in all of Jesus’ life and ministry. It is in the Garden of Gethsemane, the night of his arrest, that we are given an inside look into the mind and heart of our Savior. There we discover something that deep down inside we know all too well: fear, uncertainty, and a reluctance to fully follow God. But in Jesus we have also been given an example to follow, one that will comfort and encourage us to take up our cross, and ultimately find new life in Christ.

GATHERING (5 Minutes)

Read or recite the words of the song “Are Ye Able” by Earl Marlatt, found in our hymnal on page 530:

What words or phrases from that hymn resonate with you? Do you have any memories or personal significance you associate with this song?

VIDEO SEGMENT (5 Minutes)

Video segment by the Rev. Magrey deVega. The segment may be viewed online at hydeparkumc.org/LentStudy. After the segment, reflect upon this question: what does Holy Week mean to you?

REFLECTIONS ON THE READING (25 Minutes)

Read Matthew 26:36-46.

Write down your answers to the following questions located at the end of the chapter:

1. When has there been a time in your life when uncertainty has caused your faith to stretch and mature?

2. When have you ever longed to hear God’s voice?

EMBRACING THE UNCERTAIN (10 Minutes)

The chapter in the study describes a few options for applying this story to our lives this week: 1) Participate in both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, 2) Spending time in quiet prayer on Holy Saturday, 3) Praying for family, friends, and acquaintances. Which of these options resonate with you? Pick one or more and commit to doing them this week.

PRAYER (5 Minutes)

Close your time of study by praying the following prayer: